Domaine Armand Rousseau   Mazis Chambertin Grand Cru

2003 Mazis Chambertin Grand Cru

By Domaine Armand Rousseau

2003 Mazis Chambertin Grand Cru from Domaine Armand Rousseau, Burgundy, France

A truly distinguished bottling, the 2003 Mazis Chambertin Grand Cru from Domaine Armand Rousseau stands as a testament to the resilience and depth of Burgundian winemaking in a year that imbued much of Europe with climatic extravagance. The year 2003 was marked by an intense heatwave that swept across Europe, pushing vineyards to their limits and compelling vintners to draw upon their expertise to sculpt wines of quality from an atypical harvest season.

 

An Emblematic Testament to Terroir and Technique

The magic of the 2003 vintage lies in its unique expression of the Mazis Chambertin terroir, a cherished parcel within the tapestry of Gevrey-Chambertin. What might have been a vintage overwhelmed by robustness is instead a masterclass in balance and elegance courtesy of the venerable hands at Domaine Armand Rousseau. This wine is a demonstration of how exceptional vineyard sites paired with intuitive winemaking can rise above the climatic fray.

 

Investment-Calibre Vintages: The Allure of 2003 Mazis Chambertin

As an object of investment, fine wine enthusiasts would do well to take heed of this particular cuvée. Its singularity set within the arc of the region's storied vintages offers not only a sensorial delight but also value appreciation potential. Connoisseurs and collectors have noted that the 2003 Mazis Chambertin Grand Cru enchants the palate with dense layers of dark fruit, truffle undertones, and a compelling structure suggesting further evolution in bottle.

This wine offers an opulent texture laced with velvety tannins—a rarity for such a formidable year. The lingering finish is coupled with vibrant acidity, which has preserved its vitality remarkably well. It is this poised complexity that ensures its standing as one to watch for astute investors looking to expand their portfolios with a vintage that veers from the norm.

 

Concluding Review Notes on 2003 Mazis Chambertin Grand Cru from Domaine Armand Rousseau

In summary, the 2003 Mazis Chambertin Grand Cru positively thrives amidst adversity, emerging as one of the stars in Burgundy's constellation. It symbolises a harmonious union between the fiery vintage of 2003 and the revered traditions of Domaine Armand Rousseau. For enthusiasts seeking to ensconce a piece of vinous history into their cellars, or investors prospecting for wines with unconventional narratives yet proven longevity, this grand cru is an undoubted highlight worthy of attention.

Current market price

£13,350.00

12x75cl

Highest score

92

POP score

1112.5

Scores and tasting notes

92

Something that was surprising during my end of June 2005 visit to Domaine Rousseau was the quality of its 2003 Mazis-Chambertin. Typically far behind this estate’s reigning triumvirate (Clos St.-Jacques, Chambertin-Clos de Beze, and Chambertin), it stands shoulder-to-shoulder with them in this vintage. This wine bursts from the glass with sweet cassis and black cherry scents. Medium to full-bodied and satin-textured, it is broad, lush, as well as packed with blueberries, cherries, and blackberries. Highly expressive, this bold effort displays outstanding depth of fruit as well as a long finish studded with firm tannin. Projected maturity: 2008-2016. Importer: Frederick Wildman & Sons, New York, NY; tel. (212) 355-0700

Pierre Rovani - The Wine Advocate, 28 August 2005

Vintage performance